Mission Park Opens Friday, September 6th at AMC Theaters in L.A., NYC, Chicago, and San Antonio

By Elia Esparza

When the former star of A&E’s hit show Flip This House was approached to executive produce Bryan Ramirez’sMissionPark, the real estate mogul didn’t think twice about it. Armando Montelongo, has inspired millions of people with his rags-to-riches story, becoming America’s largest residential real estate investor in fewer than five years. His Armando Montelongo Company ranks 19 on Inc. 500 list.

Armando Montelongo

Mission Park is not only Montelongo’s first venture into feature films, putting up upwards of $5 million, but he has also lent his entrepreneurial expertise, creating Mission Park Productions and taking on the position of Executive Producer/President and CEO.

With just days from Mission Park’s opening on September 6th, we caught up with the vivacious and enthusiastic Montelongo to talk about his first experience as a movie producer.

Latin Heat: Out of all the films you could have produced, what was it about Mission Park that convinced you this was the film to green-light?

Armando: The story is what captivated me. I also admired director Byran Ramirez’s passion and knew that he along with our Mission Park production team (Douglas Spain and David J. Phillips) would make this a commercially viable film.

LH: How involved where you with the creative development? How was it to work with Bryan Ramirez, the director?

Armando: In my TV series I had total creative control so it’s a difficult thing for me to relinquish control of any project. But when you’re working with an individual of Bryan’s talents, if you’re smart, you will sit back and admire. It was poetry in motion.

David J. Phillips, Douglas Spain, “Mission Park” Co-producers and actors in the film.

LH: How did the AMC Theater deal come about? Were you involved in the negotiations? Tell us about it.

Armando: Since we began production I had an interest in self-distribution. The business aspect of movie making is what lights my fire. So when David J. Phillips [he helped secure the AMC theatrical distribution deal in LA, NYC, Chicago, and San Antonio] presented me with the AMC deal, I saw it as a great opportunity to incorporate my knowledge of marketing into the distribution of Mission Park.

LH: What skills in your background, experience, education or training came in handy as you put on your producer’s hat?

Armando: I know the television process extremely well both from an entertainment point of view as well as the production side. As a businessman I know how to leverage my assets. My best asset in this process was the team around me – Bryan, Douglas and David – they kicked ass!

LH: How was your overall experience working on Mission Park? Are there more indie films for your production company?

Armando Montelongo

Armando: When I was in the TV series Flip This House, I directed and practically produced the entire process. I’ve produced the top real estate television long form commercial for four years running. Mission Park is my first feature film as an executive producer. It has been an exciting experience. The cast and crew brought their absolute best to this film. I’m used to larger than life environments and Mission Park was definitely that. And yes, we have many projects on our plate right now.

LH: Mission Park has an amazing cast – was there any one actor in particular that really surprised you with their craft intensity?

Armando: I was watching casting videos with my team and Joseph Julian Soria captured the screen in one of the scenes and moved the entire room to tears. Walter’s [Perez] acting was one of the best criminal performances I have ever seen… the stuff that makes you worry that these guys live in your city. This generation needs their De Niro and Pacino, and I found them!

Armando Montelongo (suit and tie) on the set of “Mission Park”

LH: Growing up in Texas, did you ever think that one day you would be a star of your own reality TV show and film producer? Your family must be very proud of you.

Armando: I have a multi-million dollar business, three beautiful sons and I’m on TV and in film. My family never thought I was normal, now they know.

eesparza

Elia Esparza is a leading expert in communications and journalism targeting the burgeoning Hispanic market and has produced and written dozens of articles. President and CEO of Always Evolving PR and a Communications Specialist, Elia, incorporates her 18 years experience in the areas of entertainment and education public relations, and marketing. promotions, market research and translations (Eng/Span).

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